Lester Prairie City Council asks dog owners to clean up after their dogs

April 19, 2010

By Ivan RaconteurStaff Writer

LESTER PRAIRIE, MN  Dogs may be man’s best friend, but the Lester Prairie City Council considers it unfriendly when dog owners fail to clean up after their pets.

“Now that it is spring, we need to remind dog owners that we encourage them to abide by our ordinances and clean up after their dogs,” Council Member Ron Foust said Tuesday.

He said that when he has been out walking, he has frequently seen evidence that some owners are not doing so.

Mayor Andy Heimerl agreed, and said owners letting their dogs off the leash and not cleaning up after their dogs has become a problem in the city.

Council Member Larry Hoof suggested that the city could install signs reminding residents about the ordinance.

However, Council Member Bob Messer said the city parks already have signs that display the rules, and people still allow their dogs to run off-leash, and to leave droppings in the parks.

City ordinance 7.1.6.2 prohibits dogs at large. Dogs on a leash and under the control of the owner or responsible person are allowed on city streets and public property (except in areas that are posted prohibiting dogs).

City ordinance 7.1.6.5 states that dog owners are responsible for collecting and disposing of their dog’s feces.

Violations are subject to a $20 fine. Subsequent violations are subject to a fine of not less than $25.